Product Information

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Format: DRM Protected ePubVendor: Tyndale HousePublication Date: 2014

ISBN: 9781414388427ISBN-13: 9781414388427

Publisher's Description

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Be Still, My Soul is a collection of 175 of the most popular hymns and the stories behind them. Many of these hymns were written out of incredible life experiencesfrom the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional youll discover the stories behind the songs we sing. Youll experience the passion and joy contained in these hymns lyrics and melodies. In addition to the hymn stories, Be Still, My Soul includes the musical score, lyrics, and in-depth biographies of 12 of the most-prolific hymn writers, singers, and composers.

Whether you are new to hymns or have cherished them for a long time, youll enjoy this illuminating book on the stories behind some of the most popular hymns you sing in worship.

Be Still My Soul by Randy Peterson tells the behind the music story of 175 different hymns. I've read other books like this and always found them interesting. We've used them as devotionals and I've taken some of the stories and used them as the starting point for a special musical worship service at church a few years back. So when I had the opportunity to receive a copy of Randy Peterson's new anthology of some more hymn stories, I was pleased. I like that there are some longer biographies for certain hymn writers such as

Charles Wesley, Ira Sankey and Fanny Crosby. While many hymns included were familiar to me, their histories were not; and I also found hymns with beautiful lyrics that I've never known before. The tune to one of those unfamiliar hymns, FACE TO FACE, was inspired by a simple jar of jelly; and the words came from a poem written by a busy mother of five who said she often wrote hymns while rocking babies, mending, or even sweeping the floor.

This book or any of the other hymn story books which have been published would make wonderful gift books, perhaps as an appreciation gift for the organist or choir director. Since so many of the long lasting hymns were inspired by God's faithfulness in tough times, this book would also be great for sharing with someone who is homebound, hospitalized, or in the nursing home.

I received a copy of this title for review purposes from Tyndale Blognetwork

I've always loved music. Ever since I was a little girl my radio and I have been attached. So you can imagine that when I found a devotional that includes many different hymns and the stories behind them (eeek!), I was pretty stoked.

There's a writer inside us all that dreams of amazing stories and this devotional has told many, many of them. From Fanny Crosby to John Newton to the anonymous people that wrote words that touch the soul at it's core, we find amazing stories of faith, fear, truth, and our Redeemer.

I've been reading a page each day since I got this devotional and each day I am both challenged and encouraged by what I've read. It's amazing what happens when we surrender to the Lord (though I am not saying it's easy) and how He works through all of us broken ones.

If you're still looking for a devotional, I would really recommend this one. If you know someone who likes stories and music this would be a great gift for them... and you. ;)

*Note: I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of a review. All views expressed are mine.

Be Still, My Soul is a collection of 175 of the most popular hymns and the stories behind them. Many of these hymns were written out of incredible life experiencesÃ¢â¬âfrom the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional you'll discover the stories behind the songs we sing. You'll experience the passion and joy contained in these hymns' lyrics and melodies. In addition to the hymn stories, Be Still, My Soul includes the musical score, lyrics, and in-depth biographies of 12 of the most-prolific hymn writers, singers, and composers.

Whether you are new to hymns or have cherished them for a long time, you'll enjoy this illuminating book on the stories behind some of the most popular hymns you sing in worship.

My Review:

I found this to be an insightful collection of all my favorite hymns. The layout was very easy to read and follow along with; with the sheet music on the left, and the description and story on the right side. As a musician and a Christian, this compilation was particularly meaningful to me. Despite my refusal to crack a book's spine, this one is now well worn and loved so I could enjoy it to the fullest.

Even to someone who isn't familiar with some of the hymns, it can be enjoyed by everyone simply for the hymn histories. There was twelve in depth hymn stories, and the rest were brief and concise commentary/stories on each hymn/writer/history. The Table of Contents is alphabetically listed, with the 12 biographies marked by an asterisk for easy reference. There is an Index of Authors and Sources, as well as an Index of First Lines. It was put together very well, and a valuable research for anyone interested in hymns and/or Christian history.

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.

Be Still, My Soul is a collection of 175 of the most popular hymns and the stories behind them. Many of these hymns were written out of incredible life experiencesÃ¢â¬âfrom the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional you'll discover the stories behind the songs we sing. You'll experience the passion and joy contained in these hymns' lyrics and melodies. In addition to the hymn stories, Be Still, My Soul includes the musical score, lyrics, and in-depth biographies of 12 of the most-prolific hymn writers, singers, and composers.

Whether you are new to hymns or have cherished them for a long time, you'll enjoy this illuminating book on the stories behind some of the most popular hymns you sing in worship.

My Review:

I found this to be an insightful collection of all my favorite hymns. The layout was very easy to read and follow along with; with the sheet music on the left, and the description and story on the right side. As a musician and a Christian, this compilation was particularly meaningful to me. Despite my refusal to crack a book's spine, this one is now well worn and loved so I could enjoy it to the fullest.

Even to someone who isn't familiar with some of the hymns, it can be enjoyed by everyone simply for the hymn histories. There was twelve in depth hymn stories, and the rest were brief and concise commentary/stories on each hymn/writer/history. The Table of Contents is alphabetically listed, with the 12 biographies marked by an asterisk for easy reference. There is an Index of Authors and Sources, as well as an Index of First Lines. It was put together very well, and a valuable research for anyone interested in hymns and/or Christian history.

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.

This collection of 175 of the most popular hymns teaches the stories behind the songs, shares the lives of several composers, explains the history of the time in which the hymn was written, provides the reasons some words were revised/ changed, reveals the inspirations within the songs as well as suggests the impact the hymns produce. Musical scores and lyrics are also included.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:

What an absolutely beautiful book! From the graceful cover, to the "aged" pages (color and texture), to the layout of the hymns on the left page and the explanations on the right, this book is gorgeous. Though presented as a devotional, it could also be used as a study guide, reference or given as a gift. I really appreciated the thorough knowledge with which this book was written as well as the reason_"In the very act of singing, we teach, admonish, comfort, counsel and guide". Having read this book, my worship/ singing will be forever enhanced. Thank-you!

RATING:

5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Be Still My Soul from Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review*